Valve and retainer assembly for latex balloons

ABSTRACT

A valve and retainer assembly particularly useful for latex balloons includes a valve body and a band valve. The valve body has a radial shoulder where the neck and mouth of a latex balloon may be received to affix the balloon to the valve body. A hollow stem extends from a first open end to a second closed end, and a one-way valve allows gas to be introduced through a fill aperture in the stem and into the balloon affixed to the retainer portion. The stem includes a bell mouth at the open end to facilitate the creation of a hermetic seal with valves of gas storage tanks and to improve the efficiency of filling said balloons. The one-way valve includes a band valve positioned around the stem and covering the fill aperture. Fingers may be provided on a top surface of the radial shoulder to retain the band valve against movement under high pressure.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally resides in the art of balloon devices and accessories. More particularly, the present invention relates to a valve and retainer assembly for a latex balloon, and its method of use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The use of latex balloons as decorations for parties, celebrations, grand openings, and other events is well known, and millions of balloons are so used each year. At many of these events, a substantially large number of latex balloons are decoratively employed, and, many times, the latex balloons are printed with indicia that is particular to the specific event. In such cases, the balloons are special ordered, at significant expense. Decorating the event may also entail a significant expense inasmuch as a great amount of time and effort is required to fill these latex balloons and affix them to ribbons or balloon sticks, for display at the event. Thus, manufacturers involved with providing such balloons have endeavored to provide latex balloons with valves that avoid the need for tying balloon necks to retain gas therein, and increase the rate at which these balloons might be filled with gas and attached to ribbons or sticks, as desired. The prior art valve and retainer assemblies, however, are quite complex, and are undesirably difficult to manufacture, assemble, and use. It has also been found that some valve designs suffer from creating too much noise during inflation of a balloon.

When valves are employed, their weight affects the lift factor of helium (or other lighter-than-air) balloons. Also, valves might alter the balance of a balloon as it floats at the end of a ribbon. Thus, when a valve and retainer assembly is provided for a helium balloon, it should have a minimal impact on the lift factor of the balloon, and should allow the balloon to be attached to a ribbon without significantly altering the orientation at which the balloon floats. The valves should be easy to inflate, and require low pressures to force the inflation gas past the valve and into the balloon at a relatively low noise level.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2006/0166594 discloses a valve and retainer assembly useful for latex balloons that includes a valve body and a band valve. The valve body has a radial shoulder where the neck and mouth of a latex balloon may be received to affix the balloon to the valve body. The valve body also includes a hollow stem that communicates with the radial shoulder and the band valve allows gas to be introduced through the stem into the balloon affixed to the retainer portion. The disclosed device is somewhat successful in providing a valve and retainer assembly that is easy to manufacture, assemble and use in filling latex balloons, but suffers from several disadvantages. For instance, under high pressure the band valve may, under certain circumstances, be completely dislodged from the valve body, thereby rendering the assembly unusable. This may be caused by a choice in material of the band valve that is not ideal for the intended purpose. In addition, the stem of the valve body does not work efficiently with some inflator valves because it is improperly shaped to interact with many of the common filling valves employed in the industry.

Thus, there is a need in the art for a valve and retainer assembly that alleviates one or more of the deficiencies of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a valve and retainer assembly for a balloon including a valve body and a band valve. The valve body includes a stem portion that is hollow from an open first end to a closed second end thereof and a bell mouth at the open first end that provides an increased diameter of the open end. A radial shoulder extends outwardly from a position recessed from the second end of the stem portion, thereby defining a fill portion of the stem as the portion of the stem that extends beyond the radial shoulder to the closed second end. The fill portion includes at least one fill aperture communicating with the hollow of the stem. The band valve is a flexible band that covers the at least one fill aperture of the fill portion.

To use such a valve and retainer assembly, the mouth of a latex balloon, which is typically defined by a rolled portion of balloon material, is stretched over the radial shoulder such that the fill portion of the stem extends into the interior of the balloon. In this configuration, gas pressure applied through the hollow of the stem can only escape the stem through the at least one fill aperture, and, thus, will cause the flexible band valve to flex to allow gas to flow from the hollow of the stem through the fill portion and out the at least one fill aperture therein. When a balloon is fixed to the valve and retainer assembly as just described, gas flowing through the hollow of the stem from the valve of a storage tank will fill the balloon. When the flow of gas is stopped the band valve reverts to covering the at least one fill aperture to prevent gas from flowing out from the balloon into the hollow of the stem. Thus, the band valve is a one-way valve that allows a balloon affixed to the valve and retainer assembly to be filled with gas and sealed, without tying the neck of the balloon. This significantly increases the speed at which multiple latex balloons might be filled from a pressurized gas source and, thereafter, employed to decorate a particular event. The bell mouth further improves efficiency by facilitating creation of a hermetic seal between the open end and the valve of a storage tank.

It is envisioned that entities desiring to employ a great number of balloons in decorating an event would benefit from having the valve and retainer assemblies of this invention secured to deflated balloons. Mass quantities of deflated balloons secured to valve and retainer assemblies could be provided to such an end consumer, who, upon receipt, could easily inflate the balloons and decorate the event. With this understanding in mind, the present invention also provides, in combination, a balloon and a valve and retainer assembly for a balloon. The combination comprises a balloon including a neck portion having a mouth defined by a rolled portion of balloon material; and a valve and retainer assembly including a valve body and a band valve. The valve body includes a stem portion that is hollow from an open first end to a closed second end thereof, a bell mouth at the open first end, and a radial shoulder that extends outwardly from a position recessed from the second end of the stem, thereby defining a fill portion of the stem as the portion of the stem that extends beyond the radial shoulder to the closed second end. The fill portion includes at least one fill aperture communicating with the hollow of the stem. The band valve is a flexible band that covers the at least one fill aperture of the fill portion. To join the balloon and the valve and retainer assembly, the rolled portion of balloon material defining the mouth is received around the radial shoulder such that the fill portion extends into the interior of the balloon.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a valve and retainer assembly according to the concepts of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the valve and retainer assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the valve and retainer assembly of FIG. 1 illustrating the application of the invention for inflation of a balloon;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the invention illustrating the valve device;

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the band valve of the valve and retainer assembly of FIGS. 1-4;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the band valve of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of a second embodiment of a valve and retainer assembly according to the concepts of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the valve and retainer assembly of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of a prior art valve and retainer assembly engaged with a tilt valve; and

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of a valve and retainer assembly according to the concepts of the present invention and including a bell mouth engaged with a filling valve.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

With reference to FIG. 1-4, it can be seen that a valve and retainer assembly according to this invention is designated generally by the numeral 10. Valve and retainer assembly 10 includes valve body 12, which, as will be described below, receives band valve 14. Valve body 12 includes stem 16, which is hollow as represented by the letter H in FIG. 4, from a first end 18 to closed second end 20. A bell mouth 22 is provided at first end 18 to provide an opening having an increased diameter as compared to the remainder of stem 16. Bell mouth 22 is a flared end portion of stem 16 extending from a narrow end 23 to open end 18 and progressively increasing in diameter as it approaches open end 18. Bell mouth 22 may be angled between 5° and 20° from vertical. Bell mouth 22 facilitates the filling of balloons with valve and retainer assembly 10 by facilitating the creation of a substantially hermetic seal with common inflator nozzles of prior art gas tanks and balloon inflation devices.

Perhaps the most common inflator nozzle is the tilt nozzle (typically a bendable rubber tip) associated with the common pressurized helium tank. This nozzle, when bent, allows helium to flow from the pressurized helium tank into the valve and retainer assembly 10. Another common inflator nozzle is the latex inflation nozzle associated with the popular CoolAire® brand balloon inflation device (Premium Balloon Accessories, Inc., Ohio, USA). This nozzle is pushed linearly (downwardly in the direction of FIG. 10) to a fill position in which air flows from the balloon inflator, through and out of the nozzle. When released, the nozzle moves opposite the direction it was pushed, returning to the closed position, and the air generated by the balloon inflator does not exit the nozzle, but instead bypasses the nozzle. In the following disclosure, the tilt nozzle is identified as tilt nozzle V1, while the latex inflation nozzle is identified as push nozzle V2.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the improved interaction between the bell mouth 22 of valve body 12 and tilt nozzle V1 and push nozzle V2 used to fill the balloons is shown (FIG. 10). This improved interaction is compared with the nozzle interaction experience when employing a purely cylindrical stem such as that shown in FIG. 9, at stem S, which does not have a bell mouth. As can be seen in the drawings, the typical tilt nozzle V1 and push nozzle V2 both have a tapered outer surface T extending from a top end surface E. In certain embodiments, the outer diameter of the tilt nozzle at the end surface E may be between approximately 0.25 and 0.30 inches. In the same or other embodiments, the outer surface T of the tilt nozzle V1 may be angled between approximately 5° and 20° from vertical.

In order to open the tilt nozzle V1 to fill a balloon secured to a valve and retainer assembly 10 of this invention, the tip must be bent using the stem of the valve and retainer assembly 10. The prior art valve and retainer assembly A only contacts the tilt nozzle V1 around the inner edge I of the open end of the stem, and therefore provides little area of contact between the assembly A and the tilt nozzle V1. As a result, it is common for the open end of the prior art valve and retainer assembly A to slip and disengage from the tilt nozzle V1 when the inner edge I is pressed against the bendable tip of the tilt nozzle V1. Although the tilt nozzle V1 returns to its non-tilted state and closes off the flow of helium, some gas does still escape, and, at any rate, the assembly A must again be mated onto the tilt nozzle V1 and pressed there against to continue filling the balloon. Conversely, the bell mouth 22 of the present invention provides an increased area of contact between the valve and retainer assembly 10 and the tilt nozzle V1, thereby reducing the likelihood that the two will be disengaged during filling. The larger opening at the base of the bell mouth also facilitates alignment of the valve and retainer assembly 10 with the tilt nozzle by providing a conical surface to lead the stem to the correct location without the need for careful visual alignment. In addition, the bell mouth provides an improved seat for fingers of a user when aligning the valve and retainer assembly 10 with the tilt nozzle, which render the assembly easier to use.

Another type of inflator nozzle is the push-type nozzle identified as push nozzle V2, which is typically made of brass or other metals or suitable rigid plastics. Like the tilt nozzle V1, the push nozzle V2 is opened while the valve and retainer assembly A is positioned thereon, and so the valve and retainer assembly 10 is often used to apply the actuating force to the nozzle. Application of a pushing force using the prior art valve and retainer assembly A often results in the assembly becoming disengaged from the push nozzle V2 because only a small area of contact is created between the open end of the valve and retainer assembly and the push nozzle. In addition, it is difficult to align the open end of the valve and retainer assembly A with the outlet of the push nozzle V2 because the diameter of the open end of the valve and retainer assembly A is only large than a small axial length portion of the push nozzle V2. As can be seen, only a small length of the push nozzle V2 fits into the stem of the valve and retainer assembly A. The bell mouth 22 of the present invention beneficially provides an increased area of contact between the valve and retainer assembly 10 and the push nozzle V2, thereby decreasing the likelihood of leaking gas during filling, and facilitating the engagement and actuation of the push nozzle. Perhaps more importantly, the wide diameter of the open distal end of the bell mouth 22 makes it very easy to slip the first end 18 of stem 16 over the push nozzle V2, without any significant attention being paid to proper alignment.

Bell mouth 22 also allows the remainder of stem 16 to have a smaller diameter without concern for the ability to receive the inflator valves therein, which lowers the overall weight of the assembly. In one or more embodiments, stem 16 may have an outer diameter of less than approximately 0.40 inches, in other embodiments an outer diameter of less than approximately 0.37 in other embodiments an outer diameter of less than approximately 0.34, and in yet other embodiments, an outer diameter of less than approximately 0.31. In one or more embodiments, stem 16 may have an inner diameter of less than approximately 0.35, in other embodiments an inner diameter of less than approximately 0.32, in other embodiments an inner diameter of less than approximately 0.29, and in yet other embodiments, an inner diameter of less than approximately 0.25.

A reduced overall weight of the valve and retainer assembly 10 increases the float time of balloons secured thereto. In certain embodiments, the valve and retainer assembly may have an overall weight of less than approximately 2.0 grams, in other embodiments less than approximately 1.9 grams, in still other embodiments less than approximately 1.8 grams, and in yet other embodiments less than approximately 1.75 grams. Bell mouth 22 also acts to facilitate compliance with choking standards without necessitating a significant increase in the overall length of valve body 12. The increased diameter at bell mouth 22 reduces the risk of choking in children and infants.

In certain embodiments, bell mouth 22 may extend along less than 30% of the length of stem 16, in other embodiments less than 25% of the length of stem 16, in other embodiments less than 20% of the length of stem 16, in yet other embodiments less than 15% of the length of stem 16, and in still other embodiments less than 10% of the length of stem 16. In the same or other embodiments, bell mouth 22 may provide an increase in diameter from narrow end 23 to open end 18 of at least 20%, in other embodiments an increase in diameter of at least 30%, in other embodiments an increase in diameter of at least 40%, and in still other embodiments an increase in diameter of at least 50%. In a specific embodiment of the valve and retainer assembly 10 depicted in FIGS. 1-4, the inner diameter of the bell mouth 22 increases from approximately 0.31 inches at narrow end 23 to approximately 0.434 inches at open end 18, and extends along approximately 0.40 inches of stem 16, which has a total length of approximately 2.0 inches.

Valve body 12 further includes retainer portion 24 that extends outwardly from stem 16. Retainer portion 24 includes radial shoulder 26, which extends radially outwardly from a position recessed from closed second end 20 of stem 16, thereby defining fill portion 28 of stem 16 as the portion of stem 16 that extends beyond radial shoulder 26 to closed second end 20. Although this invention is not to be so limited, it is preferred that valve body 12, including stem 16, bell mouth 22, and radial shoulder 24, be molded as a single component. Additionally, it is preferred that radial shoulder 26 be circular in cross-section inasmuch as it serves to retain a balloon, and a generally circular shape will serve to accommodate the circular cross-section shape of the neck and mouth of a balloon. The manner in which a balloon is affixed to valve and retainer assembly 10 will be particularly considered herein below.

With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, it can be seen that a fill aperture 30 is provided in fill portion 28 to communicate with hollow H of stem 16. In the preferred embodiment of FIGS. 1-4, only one fill aperture 30 is provided, but others could be provided, as, for example, by symmetrically spacing fill apertures offset at 180° or 120° or 90° in fill portion 28. A latex balloon 32 (shown in ghost lines and not necessarily to scale) is affixed to valve and retainer assembly 10 simply by stretching neck portion 34 over radial shoulder 26 and securing the mouth 36, which is defined by a rolled portion of balloon material, there under. Notably, fill portion 28 and its fill aperture 30, surrounded by band valve 14, extend into the interior of balloon 32.

A plurality of circumferentially spaced valve support fingers 40 are provided on a top surface of radial shoulder 26 around fill portion 28 of stem 16. Fingers 40 are shown as triangular shaped fins having one edge secured to radial shoulder 26, and another edge 42 extending generally parallel to an outer surface of stem 16. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that fingers 40 may be provided in alternative shapes and sizes while still providing the intended valve support function, as will be described. In certain embodiments of the invention, fingers 40 may be molded integrally with retainer portion 24. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, three fingers 40 are provided and are spaced approximately 120° apart around stem 16, although more or less fingers may be provided and spaced accordingly.

A gap is provided between each edge 42 of fingers 40 and the outer surface of stem 16. The gaps allow for band valve 14 to be received between stem 16 and fingers 40. In certain embodiments, all or a portion of band valve 14 may be slightly larger in diameter than the gap between edges 42 and stem 16, so that band valve 14 is compressed between stem 16 and fingers 40. This compression of the band valve acts to prevent the band valve from becoming dislodged from around stem 16 under high pressure.

In particularly preferred embodiments, the structural characteristics and the properties of the band valve 14 are important, and these aspects are shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 and disclosed here with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4 with the understanding that they also apply to the embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 8. Band valve 14 is generally cylindrical in shape and has a relatively small thickness. In order to ensure that band valve 14 is secure on valve body 12 when installed, it is preferred that the ID of band valve 14 is slightly less than the OD of fill portion 28 of stem 16. This allows band valve 14 to be secured without the use of adhesives. FIGS. 5 and 6 also show that band valve 14 is preferable tapered, from a thick end 14 a proximate radial shoulder 26 when installed, to a thin end 14 b proximate and covering fill aperture 30 when installed. A step in thickness, as at lip 14 c, can be configured into band valve 14 to further increase the material thickness at thick end 14 a, which may also be referred to as a foot, and strengthen the seal at that area. Foot 14 a may include a plurality of notches 44 corresponding to the locations of fingers 40. Thus, in the embodiments shown, three notches are provided and are spaced around foot 14 a at approximately 120° intervals. Each notch 44 is a recessed portion of foot 14 a having a reduced diameter. In certain embodiments, notches 44 may have radiused or tapered surfaces that form the recess. Each notch receives a finger therein when valve 14 is installed over fill portion 28, with foot 14 a being compressed at notches 44 by fingers 40.

It has been found that the taper of band valve 14 beneficially reduces the noise resulting from forcing air through stem 16 and past band valve 14 through aperture 30, particularly at the pressures employed in commercial balloon-filling pressurized air tanks and devices. It has been found that this band valve design allows fill air only to exit stem portion 16 at fill aperture 30 by forcing thin end 14 b away from fill portion 28. The ID of thick end 14 a remains in secure contact with fill portion 28, and is prevented from being dislodged by engagement with fingers 40. By forcing air into the balloon in this manner, the noise level is reduced because the flexible band valve 14 does not flap against fill portion 28 at various locations. It has also been found that it is desirable to have only one fill aperture 30, because introducing a second, while still providing a functionally acceptable valve assembly, resulted in loud noises during filling, as the valve 30 vibrates against the fill portion 28.

Without limitation, band valve 14 is preferably a thermoplastic elastomer. It is desirable to produce the valve body from a lightweight, yet suitably strong polymeric material, while producing the band valve from an equally lightweight, yet flexible material that allows for inflation of a balloon through the introduction of a minimal pressure of gas through the stem. In certain embodiments, band valve 14 may be made of a thermoplastic elastomer commercially available under the name Dynaflex®, sold by GLS Corporation (McHenry, Ill.).

In certain embodiments, band valve 14 may be made of a thermoplastic elastomer having a durometer according to ASTM-D2240 testing standards of less than approximately 70, in other embodiments a durometer of less than approximately 65, in other embodiments a durometer of less than approximately 60, in still other embodiments a durometer of less than approximately 55, and in yet other embodiments a durometer of less than approximately 50. In the same or other embodiments, band valve 14 may be made of a thermoplastic elastomer having a durometer according to ASTM-D2240 testing standards of greater than approximately 30, in other embodiments a durometer of greater than approximately 35, in other embodiments a durometer of greater than approximately 40, in other embodiments a durometer of greater than approximately 45, in still other embodiments a durometer of greater than approximately 50, and in yet other embodiments a durometer of greater than approximately 55. In a particular embodiment, band valve 14 may be made of a thermoplastic elastomer having a durometer according to ASTM-D2240 of between approximately 50 and 55.

With reference to FIG. 4 it can be seen how band valve 14 operates as a one-way valve when filling a balloon 32 associated with valve and retainer assembly 10. Gas flowing in the direction of arrow X, from a pressurized source sealed to and entering at open end 18, will be forced out through fill aperture 30, because it serves as the only available exit from stem 16. The gas will push against band valve 14, at fill aperture 30, and band valve 14, due to its flexible nature, will be forced outward to allow gas to flow through fill aperture 30, between band valve 14 and the exterior of fill portion 28. The gas exiting in this manner will fill balloon 32. The resiliency of band valve 14 is such that it makes an adequate seal with fill aperture 30. Pressure within the balloon 32 after filling acts to further seal band valve 14 over the fill aperture 30.

The gas flowing from the pressurized source may be provided at a pressure below a maximum pressure to prevent damage to band valve 14 and ensure proper sealing of fill aperture 30 after the balloon 32 has been filled. In certain embodiments, the gas flowing from the pressurized source may be provided at a pressure that is less than or equal to approximately 25 psi, in other embodiments a pressure that is less than or equal to approximately 20 psi, and in still other embodiments a pressure that is less than or equal to approximately 15 psi. The gas flowing from the pressurized source may also be provided at a pressure above a minimum threshold to ensure that band valve 14 cracks, thereby allowing the gas to fill balloon 32. In certain embodiments, the gas flowing from the pressurized source may be provided at a pressure that is greater than or equal to approximately 5 psi, in other embodiments a pressure that is greater than or equal to approximately 10 psi, and in yet other embodiments a pressure that is greater than or equal to approximately 15 psi.

Thus, when a balloon is affixed to valve and retainer assembly 10, gas may be introduced from a pressurized source, upwardly through stem 16, and the pressurized gas will apply a force against band valve 14 at fill aperture 30 to move the valve away from the aperture and allow the gas to fill the balloon. Once the balloon is filled, the pressurized gas source may be removed, and the resiliency of band valve 14 will seal the band valve on fill portion 28, over fill aperture 30, thereby maintaining the balloon in its filled state.

Radial shoulder 26 is strengthened by at least one supporting rib 46. Supporting rib 46 lends rigidity to radial shoulder 26, and may optionally provide an area for attachment of a ribbon R1. More particularly, supporting rib 46 may define a slot 48, where ribbon R1 may be tied to the valve and retainer assembly 10. Rib 46 may be configured to provide a slot 48 that is close to a center axis of stem 16, thereby improving the float angle of a balloon secured by a ribbon R1 secured thereto. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, anchoring a ribbon R1 closer to the center axis of stem 16 will result in less tilt or pivoting of a balloon 32 secured to valve and retainer assembly 10. While more than one supporting rib 46 may be provided, they are preferably avoided because additional ribs 46 will add additional weight to valve and retainer assembly 10, thereby reducing float time of a balloon secured thereto.

Alternatively, stem 16 of valve body 12 may optionally include a slot 50 proximate first end 18, to retain a ribbon R2 knotted thereto as is known in the art. Slots 48 and 50 are provided for receiving a ribbon R1 or R2 for tying or heat sealing the ribbon to stem 16. Slots 48 and/or 50 are particularly useful when valve and retainer assemblies 10 are to be employed with balloons that are to be filled with lighter-than-air gases, such as helium, because it is quite common to float lighter-than-air balloons on the end of ribbons. Notably, by providing slot 50 proximate first end 18, a combination balloon 32 and valve and retainer assembly 10 affixed to the ribbon R2 would orient itself in a substantially straight up-and-down manner, thereby maintaining the aesthetics of a typical lighter-than-air balloon in which the ribbon is tied directly to the neck of the balloon. In some valves of the prior art, the ribbon is stapled to the valve, which is believed to be more burdensome and costly than tying, and is more of a danger to children. Additionally, ribbons attached to valves of the prior art are affixed at a position that causes the balloon to offset from a substantially straight up-and-down orientation, and, in such an orientation, the balloon may tend to pull off of the valve and retainer assembly.

Stem 16, instead of receiving ribbons R1 or R2, might receive a balloon stick inserted at first end 18 into hollow H. The provision of balloon sticks in this manner is well known in the art. In addition, valve and retainer assembly 10 may also be adapted to provide a balloon-within-a-balloon assembly, as is well known in the art. Specifically, the valve and retainer assembly 10 may be adapted to include a slide disc for securing a second balloon around the first balloon associated with retainer portion 24. Such a slide disc is disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2006/0166594, which is incorporated herein by reference for the purpose of teaching such an assembly.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the valve and retainer assembly 10, band valve 14 is formed from Dynaflex G2701-1000-02 (GLS Corporation, McHenry, Ill.), and the stem 16 and retainer portion 24 are formed from Copolymer polypropylene. In accordance with such particularly preferred embodiments, the band valve 14 has a durometer according to ASTM D2240 testing standards of between 60A and 72A, preferably between 62A and 70A, and more preferably between 64A and 68A. In accordance with such particularly preferred embodiments, band valve 14 has a tensile strength of between 900 and 1000 psi, preferably between 925 and 975 psi, and more preferably between 940 and 960 psi. In accordance with such particularly preferred embodiments, band valve 14 has a tear strength of between 200 and 280 pounds per linear inch (pli), preferably between 220 and 260 pli, and more preferably between 230 and 250 pli.

In accordance with such particularly preferred embodiments, the stem 16 has a length from first end 18 to closed second end 20 of from 1.0 to 3.5 inches, preferably from 1.5 to 3.0 inches, and more preferably from 1.75 to 2.25 inches. In accordance with such particularly preferred embodiments, radial shoulder 26 has a diameter of from 0.5 to 2.5 inches, preferably from 0.625 to 2.0 inches and more preferably from 0.75 to 1.25 inches. In accordance with such particularly preferred embodiments, the bell mouth preferably flares out from the stem 16 at an angle of from 3 to 30 degrees, preferably from 5 to 20 degrees, and more preferably from 6 to 10 degrees, and has a length of from 0.05 to 1.0 inches, preferably from 0.1 to 0.5 inches and more preferably from 0.125 to 0.4 inches. In such particularly preferred embodiments, the inner diameter of the bell mouth 22 at narrow end 23 is from 0.18 to 0.38 inches, preferably from 0.25 to 0.32 inches, and more preferably from 0.26 to 0.3 inches. In such particularly preferred embodiments, the inner diameter of the bell mouth 22 at open end 18 is from 0.3 to 0.45 inches, preferably from 0.36 to 0.42 inches, and more preferably from 0.38 to 0.4 inches. In such particularly preferred embodiments, the overall weight of the valve and retainer assembly 10 is from 0.5 to 3 grams, preferably from 1.5 to 2 grams, and more preferably from 1.6 to 1.8 grams.

In a specific embodiment of the valve and retainer assembly 10 shown in FIGS. 1-6, the band valve 14 has a durometer according to ASTM D2240 testing standards of 66A, a tensile strength of 950 psi, and a tear strength of 240 pli. In accordance with this specific embodiment, the stem 16 has a length from first end 18 to closed second end 20 of approximately 2.0 inches. In accordance with this specific embodiment, radial shoulder 26 has a diameter of approximately 1.0 inches. In accordance with this specific embodiment, the bell mouth flares out from the stem 16 at an angle of 8 degrees, and has a length of approximately 0.4 inches. In this specific embodiment, the inner diameter of the bell mouth 22 increases from approximately 0.27 inches at narrow end 23 to approximately 0.4 inches at open end 18. In this specific embodiment, the overall weight of the valve and retainer assembly 10 is approximately 1.72 grams.

Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, a second embodiment of the valve and retainer assembly of the present invention is shown, and is referred to generally by the numeral 110. Valve and retainer assembly 110 is substantially identical to valve and retainer assembly 10, discussed above, except for several minor distinctions. Accordingly, a balloon 132 (not necessarily to scale) is shown secured about the valve and retainer assembly 110, and like components will be referred to with like numerals. A detailed disclosure is provided only for the distinct portions of the assembly.

Valve and retainer assembly 110 includes a stem 116 defining an elongated fill portion 128 extending between radial shoulder 126 and closed end 120. In some embodiments, the elongated fill portion 128 will simply provide a different appearance, while, in particular embodiments, the elongated fill portion 128 is specifically provided to meet safety specifications requiring the valve and retainer assembly to be of a minimum size to prevent chocking. Thus, in specific embodiments, the elongated fill portion 128 is extended so that stem 116 is approximately 2.50 inches in total length, as opposed to the total length of specific embodiments of stem 16 of valve and retainer assembly 10, which is approximately 2.00 inches. Additionally, bell mouth 122 of valve body 112 is provided with different dimensions than bell mouth 22 of valve body 12 discussed above. Particularly, it is shorter, as can be appreciated by comparison of the drawings. The reduced dimensions of bell mouth 122 counter the increased dimensions of fill portion 128 to maintain a light weight, and this improves the resulting float time of a balloon affixed to the valve and retainer assembly 110.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the valve and retainer assembly 110, band valve 114 is formed from Dynaflex G2701-1000-02 (GLS Corporation, McHenry, Ill.), and the stem 116 and retainer portion 124 are formed from Copolymer polypropylene. In accordance with such particularly preferred embodiments, the band valve 114 has a durometer according to ASTM D2240 testing standards of between 60A and 72A, preferably between 62A and 70A, and more preferably between 64A and 68A. In accordance with such particularly preferred embodiments, band valve 114 has a tensile strength of between 900 and 1000 psi, preferably between 925 and 975 psi, and more preferably between 940 and 960 psi. In accordance with such particularly preferred embodiments, band valve 114 has a tear strength of between 200 and 280 pli, preferably between 220 and 260 pli, and more preferably between 230 and 250 pli.

In accordance with such particularly preferred embodiments, the stem 116 has a length from first end 118 to closed second end 120 of from 1.0 to 3.5 inches, preferably from 1.5 to 3.0 inches, and more preferably from 2.0 to 2.5 inches. In accordance with such particularly preferred embodiments, radial shoulder 126 has a diameter of from 0.5 to 2.5 inches, preferably from 0.625 to 2.0 inches and more preferably from 0.75 to 1.25 inches. In accordance with such particularly preferred embodiments, the bell mouth 122 preferably flares out from the stem 116 at an angle of from 3 to 30 degrees, preferably from 5 to 20 and more preferably from 6 to 10, and has a length of from 0.05 to 1.0 inches, preferably from 0.1 to 0.5 inches and more preferably from 0.125 to 0.4 inches. In such particularly preferred embodiments, the inner diameter of the bell mouth 122 at narrow end 123 is from 0.18 to 0.38 inches, preferably from 0.25 to 0.32 inches, and more preferably from 0.26 to 0.3 inches. In such particularly preferred embodiments, the inner diameter of the bell mouth 122 at open end 118 is from 0.3 to 0.4 inches, preferably from 0.32 to 0.38 inches, and more preferably from 0.34 to 0.36 inches. In such particularly preferred embodiments, the overall weight of the valve and retainer assembly 110 is from 0.5 to 3 grams, preferably from 1.5 to 2 grams, and more preferably from 1.6 to 1.8 grams.

In the specific embodiment of the valve and retainer assembly 110 shown in FIGS. 7-8, the band valve 114 has a durometer according to ASTM D2240 testing standards of 66A, a tensile strength of 950 psi, and a tear strength of 240 pli. In accordance with this specific embodiment, the stem 116 has a length from first end 118 to closed second end 120 of approximately 2.5 inches. In accordance with this specific embodiment, radial shoulder 126 has a diameter of approximately 1.0 inches. In accordance with this specific embodiment, the bell mouth 122 flares out from the stem 116 at an angle of approximately 8 degrees, and has a length of approximately 0.16 inches. In this embodiment, the inner diameter of bell mouth 122 increases from approximately 0.27 inches at narrow end 123 to approximately 0.345 inches at open end 118. In this specific embodiment, the overall weight of the valve and retainer assembly 110 is approximately 1.75 grams.

It will be appreciated that, due to the simple configuration of valve and retainer assemblies according to this invention, very light valve and retainer assemblies may be manufactured simply by designing lightweight, thin wall valve body assemblies with valves that provide the desired utility and meet all applicable child safety standards for dimensional minimums. It is a feature of a particularly preferred valve and retainer assembly according to this invention to address all three criteria—light overall weight to increase float time, minimum size requirements to pass C.P.S.C (consumer products safety commission) “no-choke” child-safe tests, and provide a valve that quickly and reliably allows a balloon to be inflated and prevents gas loss there from.

Notably, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Small Parts Regulations (16 Code of Federal Regulations Part 1501 and 1500.50-53) establish a standard for determining if an item is acceptable for use by children. Particularly, the regulation is to serve to prevent deaths and injuries to children under three from choking on, inhaling or swallowing small objects. A specially designed test cylinder 2.25 inches long by 1.25 inches wide (inner diameter) is employed to approximate the size of the fully expanded throat of a child under three, and items must not be capable of fitting in this cylinder if they are to be intended for use by children under three years of age. The bottom floor of the cylinder tapers from contact with the sidewall of the cylinder at 1 inch below the open top thereof to contact with the sidewall at 2.25 inches below the open top and thus, the depth is not a consistent 2.25 inches, and instead tapers. The first and second embodiments of this invention are preferably constructed so as to not fit within this cylinder. Notably, the bell mouth of the second embodiment, which is smaller in length than that of the first embodiment, fits further down into the cylinder than does the first embodiment because the bell mouth does not expand out to as large of a diameter. As a result, the second embodiment has an elongated fill portion 128 as compared to the first embodiment, such that it will not fit with the test cylinder.

It will be appreciated that the valve and retainer assemblies 10 and 110 of this invention are easy to manufacture, assemble, and use. In addition, it will be appreciated that the inclusion of a bell mouth allows for an overall reduction in weight of the valve and retainer assemblies 10 and 110 as compared to prior art designs, as well as improved efficiency in filling balloons affixed to such valve and retainer assemblies. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the inclusion of fingers and notches in the band valve provide a more reliable product, and resist failure of the valve at high pressures. Indeed, it is contemplated that valve and retainer assemblies according to this invention would be provided in combination with uninflated balloons, as in FIG. 3 or 7, such that an end user would simply have to introduce pressurized gas through stem 16 or 116, as disclosed above, to inflate the balloons, without the need for tying the neck of any of the balloons. Such a provision of a combination balloon and valve and retainer assembly could amount to a significant reduction in the time and money spent to decorate an event, especially for special events in which a multitude of personalized balloons might be used to decorate the event. A ribbon R1 or R2 might be provided with the combination balloon and valve and retainer assemblies as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. When the balloons are to be filled with lighter-than-air gases, the provision of a ribbon as already tied to the valve and retainer assembly would help reduce decoration time to an even greater extent. Similarly, balloon sticks might also be provided with the combination balloon and valve and retainer assembly such that, upon inflation of the balloon, a balloon stick could simply be inserted into stem 16 or 116 to provide a balloon on the end of a stick.

In light of the foregoing, it should thus be evident that the process of the present invention, providing a valve and retainer assembly for latex balloons, substantially improves the art. While, in accordance with the patent statutes, only the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail herein above, the present invention is not to be limited thereto or thereby. Rather, the scope of the invention shall include all modifications and variations that fall within the scope of the attached claims. 

1. A valve and retainer assembly for a balloon comprising: a valve body including: a stem that is hollow from an open first end to a closed second end thereof, a bell mouth at said open first end that provides said stem with an increasing diameter in the direction of said open first end and proximate to said open first end, and a radial shoulder extending outwardly from a position recessed from said second closed end of said stem, thereby defining a fill portion of said stem extending between said radial shoulder and said closed second end, said fill portion including at least one aperture communicating with the hollow of said stem portion; and a flexible band valve positioned around said fill portion and covering said at least one fill aperture.
 2. The valve and retainer assembly of claim 1, wherein said bell mouth extends between a narrow end having a diameter, and said open end having an increased diameter relative to the diameter of said narrow end.
 3. The valve and retainer assembly of claim 2, wherein said open end has a diameter that is at least 20% larger than said narrow end.
 4. The valve and retainer assembly of claim 2, wherein said stem has a total length and said bell mouth extends along less than 30% of said total length.
 5. The valve and retainer assembly of claim 1, wherein gas pressure applied through said hollow of said stem flows against said band valve at said at least one fill aperture and causes said band valve to flex to allow gas to flow from said hollow of said stem outwardly through said at least one fill aperture.
 6. The valve and retainer assembly of claim 1, wherein said stem includes a slot proximate said open end of said stem.
 7. The valve and retainer assembly of claim 1, wherein said hollow of said stem portion is capable of receiving a balloon stick.
 8. The valve and retainer assembly of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of fingers extending from a top surface of said radial shoulder, said fingers being spaced from an outer surface of said fill portion of said stem to form a gap.
 9. The valve and retainer assembly of claim 8, wherein said fingers are circumferentially spaced around said fill portion of said stem.
 10. The valve and retainer assembly of claim 8, wherein said flexible band valve is received in said gap between said fingers and said outer surface of said fill portion.
 11. The valve and retainer assembly of claim 1, wherein said flexible band valve is tapered from a thick end, proximate said radial shoulder of said valve body, to a thin end proximate said at least one fill aperture.
 12. The valve and retainer assembly of claim 11, wherein said flexible band includes a foot at said thick end defined by a lip.
 13. The valve and retainer assembly of claim 12, further comprising a plurality of notches in said foot, said notches providing a reduced diameter of said valve band.
 14. The valve and retainer assembly of claim 13, wherein said notches in said foot align with fingers extending from a top surface of said radial shoulder, said fingers being spaced from an outer surface of said fill portion of said stem to form a gap, and said flexible band being positioned within said gap.
 15. In combination, a balloon and a valve and retainer assembly for a balloon comprising: a balloon including a neck portion having a mouth defined by a rolled portion of balloon material; and a valve and retainer assembly including: a valve body including a stem that is hollow from an open first end to a closed second end thereof, a bell mouth at said open first end that provides an increased diameter at said open first end, and a radial shoulder extending outwardly from a position recessed from said second closed end of said stem, thereby defining a fill portion of said stem extending between said radial shoulder and said closed second end, said fill portion including at least one aperture communicating with the hollow of said stem portion; and a flexible band valve positioned around said fill portion and covering said at least one fill aperture, wherein said rolled portion of said balloon material defining said mouth is received around said radial shoulder such that said fill portion extends into the interior of said balloon.
 16. The combination of claim 15, wherein said stem of said valve and retainer assembly includes a slot proximate said open end of said stem.
 17. The combination of claim 16, further comprising a ribbon affixed to said slot.
 18. The combination of claim 15, wherein said balloon is deflated and may be inflated by introducing gas upwardly through said hollow of said stem portion from said open end toward said closed end thereof such that said band valve is displaced from covering said at least one fill aperture so that the gas enters said balloon through said at least one fill aperture.
 19. The combination of claim 15, wherein said bell mouth provides an increase in diameter relative to the remainder of said stem of at least 20%.
 20. The combination of claim 15, further comprising a plurality of fingers extending from a top surface of said radial shoulder and circumferentially spaced around said fill portion of said stem, said fingers being spaced from an outer surface of said stem to define a gap and said band valve being received in said gap, wherein said fingers engage at least a portion of said band valve to retain said band valve in place under high pressure. 